Oral history interview with Ruby Thomas conducted by Craig Hawkins on October 05, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thomas discusses her career as a teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada and being member of the Retired Teachers Association. She then describes social and environmental changes, and the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam). Lastly, Thomas recalls the population growth and casino development in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leslie H. Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on November 02, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls anecdotes of the city during the 1950s and 1960s, growing up near downtown Las Vegas, and the influence of organized crime. Smith talks about starting a construction contracting firm and changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Albert D. Washington conducted by Wendell West on February 25, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Washington discusses changes in Las Vegas, Nevada, specifically the increase in population. Washington then recalls the voting system, gambling, local businesses, and religious influences in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Josephine Bruns conducted by Christopher Wong on March 9, 1975 and March 12, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bruns discusses her family background, recreational activities, transportation, entertainment, and the growth of businesses in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bruns also talks about the Stewart Ranch and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marie Schamaun conducted by Elie Elias on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schamaun discusses her personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Schamaun discusses being a member of the first Methodist church in Las Vegas and her involvement with an auxiliary of the Optimist Club which helped young girls. Schamaun describes how Las Vegas and its casinos have changed since she first moved to the city in 1947, and how the city has changed socially. Schamaun also discusses nuclear weapons tests, youth centers in Las Vegas, and the important role the youth centers have in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Angelo Pedot conducted by Steve Mathwig on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pedot discusses moving to Nevada to work at the Basic Magnesium plant. Pedot also shares memories of Las Vegas, Nevada as more casinos were built.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ricardo Jimenez conducted by Andres Moses on September 18, 2005 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Jimenez discusses his personal history growing up in Los Angeles, California. He recalls visiting Las Vegas, Nevada in 1972 and describes the Las Vegas Strip at the time. Jimenez discusses his move to Las Vegas and living on the East Side during the late 1970s. Lastly, Jimenez recalls his education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, starting his own business, and entering the landscaping industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mark Matthews conducted by Marcus Harrison on March 30, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Matthews discusses his arrival to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1949 in an attempt to find better living conditions. Matthews then describes living through the Great Depression, and explains the hardships it brought upon many people. Matthews later discusses improvements in transportation throughout the city as more streets were paved.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Sparrow conducted by Lonnie McDonald on March 09, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sparrow discusses his personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Sparrow discusses life in early Las Vegas, how Las Vegas has changed, and the development of the Strip. Sparrow also discusses race relations in Las Vegas and the establishment of the Nevada Test Site.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Russell Harvey conducted by Claytee D. White on May 20, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Harvey discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside community. He talks about recreation activities he participated in, the discrimination he experienced, and integration in Las Vegas in 1960. Harvey remembers attending Nevada Southern University (now University of Nevada, Las Vegas), working stage production for shows on the Strip, and being a member of the Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local Union 720. Lastly, Harvey discusses his involvement with the Nevada Minority Purchasing Council.
Archival Collection